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The Ultimate Guide to Huawei Nova 2s Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Release Date
2017, December
Camera
16MP
Battery
3340mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Kirin 960
Screen
6.0"
Storage
64GB/128GB , microSDXC
Ram
4/6GB RAM
Operating System
Android 8.0, EMUI 8

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei nova 2s strikes a balance between elegant design and robust build quality. With dimensions of 156.9 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm and a weight of 169 g, this smartphone is designed for comfort in hand. The device features a glass front and an aluminum back with an aluminum frame, providing a premium feel. The attention to design aesthetics is evident with the carefully crafted edges and the choice of colors including Black, Gray, Red, Rose Gold, and Light Blue. The hybrid dual SIM setup adds to its functionality, allowing users flexibility with carriers.

Display

The Huawei nova 2s boasts a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, which occupies approximately 78.5% of the screen-to-body ratio, making it sizable enough for an immersive viewing experience. The screen offers a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels with an 18:9 aspect ratio, translating to a pixel density of around 403 ppi. This display configuration ensures vibrant colors and sharp clarity, suitable for viewing multimedia content, navigating through applications, or gaming.

Network and Connectivity

Equipped with GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, the nova 2s supports a range of network options ensuring broad connectivity. It supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots), 3G bands (HSDPA), and unspecified 4G LTE bands. The device offers respectable speeds with HSPA at 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps.

Camera Capabilities

The nova 2s provides excellent photographic capabilities, featuring a dual main camera system with a 16 MP, f/1.8 primary sensor, and a 20 MP B/W, f/1.8 sensor with a focal length of 27mm. The camera system is enhanced with PDAF, LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode convenience, capable of recording video in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps.

The selfie shooter is no slouch either, featuring a dual front camera setup with a 20 MP, f/2.0 wide sensor complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor. It includes an LED flash for better low-light selfies and supports video recording at 1080p at 30fps.

Performance

At the heart of the Huawei nova 2s is the Kirin 960 chipset, fabricated on a 16 nm process. This octa-core processor includes 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, providing the right mix of power and efficiency. It handles daily tasks smoothly and supports high-demand apps with ease. Coupled with the Mali-G71 MP8 GPU, the device caters well to gaming enthusiasts and multimedia consumption.

Memory and Storage

The device is available in variants of 64GB internal storage paired with either 4GB or 6GB RAM, as well as a model with 128GB internal storage and 6GB RAM, providing users with multiple options to suit their needs. A microSDXC slot is available, albeit shared with the SIM slot, giving the flexibility to expand storage as required.

Software and User Interface

Huawei's nova 2s runs on Android 8.0 (Oreo) with the EMUI 8 skin, which brings a range of additional features and personalization options. The interface is user-friendly, offering smooth navigation and an enhanced notification system alongside traditional Android capabilities.

Battery Life

Powering the nova 2s is a non-removable Li-Po 3340 mAh battery, which supports 18W wired charging. The battery capacity ensures a full day's use under typical scenarios such as calling, browsing, or streaming. The fast charging capability helps in replenishing the battery quickly, minimizing device downtime.

Communication and Extras

The smartphone offers versatile communication options, including dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 (A2DP, LE, aptX HD), GPS with GLONASS and BDS, alongside NFC for smooth transactions. The USB Type-C 2.0 port supports OTG, expanding its usability further. Unlike some of its contemporaries, it retains the 3.5mm audio jack, much appreciated by audiophiles.

Sensors on board include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enriching the user experience with advanced functions and enhancing security.

Price and Availability

Initially announced and released in December 2017, the Huawei nova 2s was competitively priced at approximately 200 EUR. As it stands, the device offers substantial value, especially to those prioritizing camera functionality, display quality, and sleek design.

Conclusion

The Huawei nova 2s exemplifies a well-rounded smartphone with its robust design, notable photographic capabilities, competent performance, and reasonable pricing. It remains a viable option for those seeking a refined Android experience, notable design, and excellent photographic options.

Key Features of Huawei nova 2s

  • Network: Supports GSM, HSPA, LTE technologies.
  • Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Platform: Powered by Kirin 960 chipset with an Octa-core CPU.
  • Main Camera: Dual setup with 16 MP and 20 MP sensors, capable of 4K video recording.
  • Selfie Camera: Dual setup with a 20 MP main sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor.
  • Memory: Options up to 128GB internal storage and 6GB RAM.
  • Battery: 3340 mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.
  • Build: Glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame design.
  • Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, NFC, USB Type-C, and dual SIM support.

Disadvantages of Huawei nova 2s

  • Lacks radio feature which might be a drawback for users who rely on FM radio.
  • Hybrid dual SIM means the second SIM slot is shared with the microSD card, limiting the ability to expand storage if dual SIM functionality is needed.
  • Released with Android 8.0 (Oreo), which may not support the latest updates and features available in newer Android versions.
  • Non-removable battery, limiting the options for battery replacement without professional service.
  • Charges at a relatively slower speed of 18W, with more modern alternatives offering faster charging options.
  • Kirin 960 chipset is slightly outdated compared to more recent processor technologies, which might affect performance with newer apps and software.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA
4G bands LTE (unspecified)
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
Launch
Announced 2017, December
Status Available. Released 2017, December
Body
Dimensions 156.9 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm (6.18 x 2.96 x 0.30 in)
Weight 169 g (5.96 oz)
Build Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 6.0 inches, 92.4 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8
Chipset Kirin 960 (16 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Mali-G71 MP8
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF 20 MP B/W, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.7"
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Dual 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm 2 MP, depth sensor
Features LED flash
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC Yes
Radio No
USB USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 3340 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired
Misc
Colors Black, Gray, Red, Rose Gold, Light Blue
Models HWI-AL00, HWI-TL00
Price About 200 EUR

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